Taipei, Aug. 28 (CNA) Shih Hui-fen, a deputy minister of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), will fill two posts at the foundation responsible for negotiating with China left vacant by Chang Hsien-yao, who was forced to leave his posts on allegations of leaking secrets. Shih will concurrently serve as vice chair and secretary-general of the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), MAC Spokeswoman Wu Mei-hung said Thursday. The new appointment needs approval from the Executive Yuan and endorsement by SEF board of directors and supervisors, both of which are expected soon.

Shih was picked because of her good ties with SEF Chairman Lin Join-sane when she previously served as the deputy secretary-general of the foundation. Her rapport with Lin could be important for improving communication between the MAC and SEF and facilitating negotiations and exchanges with China. Meanwhile, MAC First Deputy Minister Lin Chu-chia has been appointed to double as chairman of the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Cooperation Council. Former council chairman Liu Te-shun resigned after being named a member of the Control Yuan, the nation's highest watchdog body. (By Yin Chun-chieh and Scully Hsiao)